Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG: World’s First CNG Motorcycle 

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG has taken the Indian two-wheeler market by storm. As the world’s first CNG motorcycle, it promises a unique blend of eco-friendly commuting and significant cost savings. But is it the right choice for you? Let’s delve deep into the details of the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG, exploring its engine, performance, design, features, safety, availability, pricing, and how it compares to the competition.

Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG

Engine & Performance: Built for Efficiency

The heart of the Freedom 125 CNG is a 125cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. While the exact power and torque figures haven’t been officially revealed by Bajaj, reports suggest it produces around 9.4 bhp of peak power at 8000 rpm and 9.7 Nm of torque at 5000 rpm. This might seem modest compared to conventional 125cc bikes, but it’s perfectly adequate for navigating city traffic and offering a comfortable ride experience. The engine is paired with a 5-speed transmission, ensuring smooth gear changes.

However, the real game-changer lies in the integration of a 2 kg CNG tank beneath the seat. This is where the Freedom 125 CNG shines. Bajaj claims an impressive mileage of 102 km per kg of CNG, translating to a potential range exceeding 200 km on CNG alone. That’s a significant distance for a single tank in the commuter motorcycle segment.

But what if you run out of CNG? Fear not, the Freedom 125 CNG comes with a backup – a 2-litre auxiliary petrol tank. This ensures you’re never stranded and provides a combined maximum range of over 330 km, offering peace of mind for longer rides. A convenient switch on the left handlebar allows you to seamlessly toggle between CNG and petrol mode, giving you complete control over your fuel usage.

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Design & Features: A Blend of Utility and Style

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG boasts a minimalist design that prioritizes functionality. The use of an LED headlight (on the top variant) adds a touch of modern flair, while the five colour options cater to diverse preferences. Comfort is a key focus, with the Freedom 125 CNG featuring the longest seat (785 mm) in its segment, promising a relaxed riding posture for both rider and pillion.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Freedom 125 CNG is the use of a trellis frame. This type of frame, more commonly found in high-performance motorcycles, offers superior rigidity and impact absorption compared to the conventional double cradle frame used on most commuter bikes. This translates to better handling and potentially improved safety.

For a smooth ride, the Freedom 125 CNG utilizes a 17-inch front alloy wheel and a 16-inch rear alloy wheel, both shod with tubeless tyres that offer puncture resistance and easier repairs. The instrument cluster is a digital unit that displays essential information like speed, fuel gauge (for both CNG and petrol), odometer, and trip meter. The top variant even boasts Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to pair their smartphones with additional features (availability of features may vary).

In terms of practicality, the Freedom 125 CNG offers a ground clearance of 170 mm, which is ideal for navigating Indian road conditions. The kerb weight of 149 kg makes it relatively easy to manoeuvre in traffic. The top variant gets a disc brake on the front wheel for improved stopping power, while the lower variants rely on drum brakes for both wheels.

Safety: A Top Priority

Safety is a critical concern, especially with a CNG-powered motorcycle. Bajaj has addressed this by equipping the Freedom 125 CNG with a PESO-certified CNG cylinder, ensuring it adheres to stringent safety standards. The cylinder is strategically positioned under the seat and surrounded by the trellis frame and rear subframe, acting as a protective cage in case of an accident. Additionally, the engine placement keeps it away from the cylinder to prevent heat-related issues.

As a precautionary measure, riders must dismount the bike while filling CNG at pumps to maintain a safe distance in case of any unforeseen events. Bajaj has also likely conducted rigorous crash tests to ensure the integrity of the CNG tank and overall motorcycle structure during collisions.

Availability & Pricing: A Strategic Move

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is a strategic launch by Bajaj Auto, catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly and economical two-wheeler options in India. It’s currently available in multiple variants, with prices starting from around ₹95,000. This makes it a competitively priced option within the 125cc commuter motorcycle segment. However, there’s a crucial factor to consider – CNG availability.

CNG infrastructure in India is still developing, and the number of CNG pumps can be limited in certain areas. It’s essential to check for CNG pump availability near your residence and regular commute routes before opting for the Freedom 125 CNG. If CNG accessibility is a concern, the smaller petrol tank might limit your range.

Competition: Stacking Up Against Rivals

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG doesn’t have any direct competitors in the CNG motorcycle space since it’s the first of its kind. However, it indirectly competes with conventional 125cc commuter motorcycles that run on petrol. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Fuel Efficiency: The Freedom 125 CNG boasts a significant advantage with its claimed mileage of 102 km per kg of CNG. This translates to lower running costs compared to most petrol-powered 125cc bikes that typically offer a mileage in the range of 40-60 km.
• Performance: While the Freedom 125 CNG might have slightly lower power and torque figures compared to some 125cc petrol bikes, its performance is adequate for city commutes. Riders seeking a more powerful option for highway riding might find conventional petrol bikes more suitable.
• Maintenance: CNG vehicles generally require slightly more maintenance compared to petrol vehicles. However, the exact maintenance schedule and costs for the Freedom 125 CNG are yet to be revealed by Bajaj.
• Availability: Petrol pumps are widely available across India, whereas CNG pumps might be scarce in some regions. This can limit the practicality of the Freedom 125 CNG in those areas.

The Final Verdict: Is the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG Right for You?

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG presents a compelling proposition for eco-conscious riders in India. Its impressive claimed CNG mileage translates to substantial fuel cost savings. The comfort features, competitive pricing, and the first-mover advantage in the CNG motorcycle segment make it an interesting choice.

However, the decision depends on your priorities and riding habits. If you primarily ride in areas with readily available CNG pumps and prioritize fuel efficiency, the Freedom 125 CNG is a strong contender. But if CNG accessibility is an issue or you require a more powerful motorcycle for highway riding, conventional petrol-powered 125cc bikes might be a better fit.

Here are some key takeaways to consider:

• Pros: Excellent fuel efficiency with CNG, potentially lower running costs, comfortable ergonomics, unique trellis frame design, and potentially better safety.
• Cons: Limited CNG pump availability in some areas, smaller petrol tank might restrict range without CNG, slightly lower power and torque compared to some petrol bikes, potentially higher maintenance costs (information yet to be confirmed).

By carefully evaluating your needs and the availability of CNG infrastructure in your area, you can determine if the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is the perfect fit for your eco-friendly and economical commute.

Summary

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is the world’s first CNG motorcycle, and it’s packed with features that make it a compelling option for eco-conscious riders in India. Here’s a deep dive into its details:

Engine & Performance

• 125 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine produces 9.4 bhp of peak power at 8000 rpm and 9.7 Nm of torque at 5000 rpm.
• While the power figures might seem low compared to regular 125cc bikes, it’s enough for comfortable city commuting.
• The engine comes mated to a 5-speed transmission.
• The biggest highlight is the 2 kg CNG tank integrated beneath the seat. Bajaj claims a mileage of 102 km per kg of CNG, translating to a range of over 200 km on CNG alone.
• There’s also a 2-litre auxiliary petrol tank for backup, offering a combined maximum range of over 330 km.
• A switch on the left handlebar lets you toggle between CNG and petrol modes for convenient fuel management.

Design & Features

• The Freedom 125 CNG boasts a minimalistic design with an LED headlight (on the top variant) and five colour options.
• It features the longest seat in its segment at 785 mm, promising a comfortable ride experience.
• The bike uses a trellis frame for rigidity and protection, a design choice uncommon in commuter motorcycles.
• It gets a 17-inch front alloy wheel and a 16-inch rear alloy wheel, both wrapped with tubeless tyres.
• The instrument cluster is a digital unit with Bluetooth connectivity on the top variant.
• Other features include a 170 mm ground clearance, a 149 kg kerb weight, and a disc brake on the front wheel (top variant only).

Availability & Pricing

• The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG comes in multiple variants with prices starting from around ₹95,000 (ex-showroom).
• It’s important to note that CNG availability can be limited in certain areas, so check for CNG pumps near you before considering this motorcycle.

Overall, the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is a unique and fuel-efficient option for riders seeking low running costs. Its comfort features and competitive pricing make it a strong contender in the commuter motorcycle segment.